certainly not vs surely

Both 'certainly not' and 'surely' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Certainly not' is a stronger way to express denial or disagreement, while 'surely' is used to express confidence or certainty.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 62 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to strongly express denial or disagreement.

"certainly not"

Use 'certainly not' when you want to strongly deny or disagree with something. It adds emphasis to your statement.

Examples:

Are you going to the party tonight? - Certainly not!
Did you eat the last piece of cake? - Certainly not, I would never do that!
Are you the one who broke the vase? - Certainly not, it wasn't me!

Show examples from the web [+]

But certainly not from a literal standpoint.
He's certainly not my friend.
And certainly not with my ex-husband.
Or certainly not to my knowledge.
And certainly not for a common swindler like you.
And certainly not within a plausible time frame.
Facebook... mildly entertaining, certainly not all-consuming.
Perhaps I understand you, but certainly not all.
Which could cause a positive urine test for opiates, but certainly not dilate my pupils.
And it's certainly not his.
He's certainly not going to bankrupt himself for this spread.
They were certainly not so very far from being equals in Amsterdam social life.
I will certainly not hold it against you.
You didn't buy anything from them that day, certainly not Tiffany lamps.
Not before and certainly not after.
Most certainly not some arrogant New York newbie.
That's certainly not my preference.
It's certainly not something I wanted to do when I was younger.
'Cause you're certainly not helping anyone trapped in Carentan.
Lady Agnes didn't want a housekeeper, and certainly not me.

Alternatives:

absolutely not
definitely not
positively not
no way
not at all

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express confidence or certainty.

"surely"

Use 'surely' when you want to express confidence or certainty in what you are saying. It can also be used to seek confirmation or agreement.

Examples:

Surely you can't be serious!
Surely you understand the importance of this project.
Surely you will come to the meeting tomorrow.
Surely, you must have heard about the new policy.
Surely, you agree with me on this issue.

Show examples from the web [+]

Attempting to bliss humanity will surely kill you.
The Prince has surely prepared a fine welcome.
And surely somewhere... someone must go.
That investment would surely pay dividends.
Surgeons is closed for Easter surely.
Knowing this will surely shatter Lily's heart.
This surely brought back some memories.
You surely know many people here.
William, surely there must be something...
You're surely needed elsewhere, tonight.
And these videos surely can add attraction to PowerPoint presentation.
Graphics card will surely enrich your editing experience.
The offer will surely interest all poker enthusiasts.
And one face is surely betrayal.
Emotions are surely what make man so unique.
This is surely the biggest challenge facing humanity today.
A coordinated campaign would surely benefit our children all across Europe.
That right surely supersedes any marketing tactics or side-effects.
Reward will surely find hands for this.
Mi Lalla surely a plan for it.

Alternatives:

certainly
undoubtedly
without a doubt
of course
definitely

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certainly not vs surely

"certainly not"

"surely"

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